Daisuke Matsuzaka (34) returned to Japan on Wednesday. The Softbank Hawks are expected to hold a press conference to introduce Matsuzaka as their newest addition as early as the 5th. Source: Sponichi 12/3/2014

The Orix Buffaloes are not planning to pursue Hiroyuki Nakajima (32). They are interested in Tony Blanco (34) and Bryan Bullington (34). Source: Daily Sports 12/2/2014 ... Sports Hochi is reporting that the Buffaloes shifted their attention to Nakajima after they learned Munenori Kawasaki (33) still wants to play in the Majors. They could be preparing a four-year package worth an estimated 1.5 billion yen. Source: Sports Hochi 12/3/2014

The Hanshin Tigers told reporters they opted not to improve their offer to Nakajima when recently contacted by his agent. They do not plan on changing their offer at this point in time. Source: Sanspo 12/3/2014, Nikkan Sports 12/3/2014

The Tigers could visit Cuba in January next year to check on talent. They are looking for a fifth foreign player as insurance. They are also checking players in the Dominican Republic. Source: Nikkan Sports 12/3/2014

The Rakuten Eagles could offer Takahiro Norimoto a three-year deal worth over 300 million during contract negotiations on Wednesday. Source: Daily Sports 12/3/2014 ... Norimoto agreed to a salary of 120 million yen, up sixty million from this season. He became the fifth player in NPB history to reach 100 million yen in his third season. Source: Daily Sports 12/3/2014, Sports Hochi 12/3/2014

The Yokohama Bay Stars officially announced on Tuesday that they were parting ways with Tony Blanco (34). Source: official announcement

The Yakult Swallows are not planning to sign Chris Narveson (32) to a contract for the 2015 season. They already signed Tony Barnette (31) and Orlando Roman (36) to one-year contracts. Chris Carpenter (28) is still a question mark. Source: Nikkan Sports 12/3/2014

The Chiba Lotte Marines announced that they came to terms with Chunichi senryokugai Kento Yachi (26). He was assigned the number fifty-eight. The two sides agreed to a contact worth an estimated five million yen. Source: official announcement, Sponichi 12/3/2014